The strongest Auror appeared in the enclosed chamber.
Harry calmly watched Meri, who was about to enter the Department of Mysteries. "What do you want from this place?"
Meri slowly backed away until something hard pressed against her back.
She tilted her head slightly and saw red hair.
"Just one person?" Ron asked.
"Sometimes, having fewer people weighing you down makes things easier," Harry said.
Ron was used to working with Harry, and nodded at that.
Just as Harry had brought only him along for this operation.
"All right, ma'am," Ron said. "Time to surrender."
Meri's eyes darkened. Ron took out the Restraining Cuffs and said, "Keep your hands where I can see them."
"Don't even think about running. At this distance, even a Disarming Charm will leave you wishing you were dead."
As Ron spoke, he slowly brought the cuffs closer.
Just before they touched Meri, she threw back her head and shouted, "Todd!"
Sensing danger, Harry swiftly swung his wand and warned, "Watch out above you, Ron!"
The instant Ron looked up, the black smoke that had blended into the ceiling of the circular hall plunged down.
Ron felt as though a speeding truck had hit him. He flew backward into a room full of brains.
The black smoke swept Meri up and charged into the room.
Every container holding a brain shattered in its path.
Like jellyfish, the brains reached toward Ron with writhing tentacles.
"Again?"
Horrified, Ron struggled to get up.
He had probably broken a bone.
A silver-white stag charged inside before the door closed, driving away all the brains approaching Ron.
Harry pushed the door open and came in. Helping Ron up, he asked, "Where did they go?"
"Through that door. Looks like they're heading for the Time Hall."
"Don't worry about me," Ron